ANN ARBOR -- The Big Ten wants a more national bowl footprint. But it reportedly will maintain ties to the Midwest as well with a brand new bowl. The Detroit Lions are expected to launch a new bowl in 2014 that would be played at Ford Field,

. The game likely will pit the Big Ten against the ACC. The game would eliminate the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, which currently is played in the same building and pits the eighth Big Ten team against the Mid-American Conference champion, with a Sun Belt bid as an alternate. That game has been played since 1997, although never has featured in-state programs Michigan or Michigan State. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said last week tha

for 2014 as the current postseason slate began to stale. An announcement is expected sometime this month. "The goal is going to be that we keep these games fresh,” Delany said. “Also, that the bowls create the best possible lineup. I think there’s been some fatigue." Delany said the league will spread its revamped lineup around the country, with the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City considered a lock to be added, as well as the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. But it appears the Big Ten won't neglect its Midwestern roots as well, maintaining its presence in Detroit, albeit in a new game. The Pizza Bowl was never a marquee destination for Big Ten teams -- only three actually played in the game the past 11 years -- and the new Lions bowl likely will be a bottom-tiered matchup as well. But the reported addition of the ACC, taking the place of the MAC, should heighten its profile some. The Lions are not commenting on the reports.